If you love all things Reuben but want a fun, handheld twist, this Reuben Fritters Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the classic flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut bundled up into crispy, golden fritters that are bursting with melty, savory goodness in every bite. They’re perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a creative main course that will wow friends and family alike. The Reuben Fritters Recipe takes an iconic sandwich and transforms it into a playful, irresistible treat that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in bringing the Reuben fritters to life. Every component contributes to texture, flavor, or that beautiful golden color that makes these fritters so tempting.
- Corned beef (1 cup, finely chopped): The savory, tender star of the dish providing true Reuben flavor.
- Swiss cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, nutty richness.
- Sauerkraut (1/2 cup, drained and squeezed dry): Brings that signature tang and a nice bite without sogginess.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened): Helps bind the mixture and adds a subtle creaminess.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a gentle kick and depth to balance the richness.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps hold the mixture together during cooking.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Essential for binding and creating a crispy coating.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup, Panko preferred): Provides that signature crunch on the outside.
- Vegetable oil: For frying until crispy and golden.
- Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard: Ideal for dipping and bringing that classic sauce flavor to the fritters.
How to Make Reuben Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by combining finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, sauerkraut (make sure it’s squeezed dry so the fritters don’t get soggy), cream cheese, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl. Mixing these thoroughly makes sure every bite bursts with that classic Reuben taste, perfectly balanced between creamy, tangy, and meaty.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Once your filling is mixed, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll each into a compact ball. Placing these on a baking sheet and popping them in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes firms them up, making the dredging process much easier and less messy.
Step 3: Bread the Fritters
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chilled ball first in flour, then dip it in the eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs until well covered. This triple coating is the secret to that golden, crispy crust for your Reuben fritters.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the fritters in batches, cooking each for 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady, and once done, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Reuben Fritters Recipe is ready to impress! Serve the fritters piping hot with a side of classic Thousand Island dressing or a spicy mustard dip for that perfect flavor complement. These little bites are packed with taste and texture that are guaranteed to disappear fast.
How to Serve Reuben Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a fresh note that brightens the rich flavors in the fritters. A light dusting of paprika can also highlight their beautiful golden edges and introduce a subtle smoky warmth.
Side Dishes
Pair these fritters with a crisp, refreshing green salad or some tangy pickles for contrast. A bowl of creamy coleslaw or even a light cucumber salad can perfectly balance the richness of the fritters, making the meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Reuben fritters each on a mini slider bun with a dollop of Thousand Island dressing and a leaf of lettuce for a handheld Reuben treat. They also shine at parties when placed on a platter with toothpicks and an assortment of dips, allowing everyone to enjoy them as delicious finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your batch, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, allow the fritters to cool completely to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Freezing
These fritters freeze beautifully. After shaping and breading, freeze the uncooked fritters on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 1 month, giving you an easy, ready-to-fry snack whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or frozen fritters, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Reuben Fritters Recipe?
Absolutely! Swiss is classic, but Gruyere or even a good melting cheddar can add a delicious twist while still complementing the corned beef and sauerkraut beautifully.
Is it necessary to freeze the fritters before breading?
Freezing helps firm the mixture so the fritters hold their shape during breading and frying. You can try skipping this step, but the process is smoother and cleaner with the brief chill.
What can I use if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs will work fine, though Panko provides that extra crunchy texture. You can also crush cornflakes or tortilla chips for a creative crunchy coating alternative.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can bake the fritters for a lighter version at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. While not quite as crispy as frying, they’re still tasty and satisfying.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Reuben Fritters?
Thousand Island dressing classicly pairs perfectly with Reuben flavors, but spicy mustard or even a creamy horseradish sauce can add a nice punch. Try different dips to find your favorite!
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Reuben Fritters Recipe, it’s hard to go back to the traditional sandwich. The crispy exterior combined with the melty, tangy filling makes these fritters an exciting twist on a beloved favorite. Whether for a party, snack, or creative dinner, they bring warmth and joy to the table. So grab the ingredients and have fun frying up a batch — your taste buds will thank you!
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Reuben Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters (approximately 12-16 fritters depending on size)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Reuben Fritters are a crispy, savory appetizer inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. Made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a blend of creamy and tangy ingredients, these bite-sized fritters are breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. Serve them hot with a side of Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard for a deliciously indulgent snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Fritter Mixture
- 1 cup (150g) cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup (115g) Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (120g) sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Breading
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Serving
- Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard, for dipping
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard until all ingredients are well blended into a consistent mixture.
- Shape and freeze the fritters: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the mixture and roll each into small balls. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain their shape during frying.
- Prepare the breading station: Set out three separate bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each chilled fritter ball first in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs to evenly coat.
- Heat oil and fry: Pour approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan or skillet and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Fry the fritters in small batches for 2-3 minutes each until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the fritters hot accompanied by Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard for dipping to enhance their classic Reuben flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure sauerkraut is well drained and squeezed dry to prevent soggy fritters.
- Freezing the shaped fritters before breading helps maintain their shape during frying.
- Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F for the best crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and texture.
- These fritters are best served immediately while hot and crispy.
